A State Rarity Rank of S2 means: Typically 6 to 20 occurrences, few remaining individuals, acres, or miles of stream, or factors demonstrably make it very vulnerable in New York State.

Global Rarity Rank:G3G4

A Global Rarity Rank of G3G4 means: Vulnerable globally, or Apparently Secure -- At moderate risk of extinction, with relatively few populations or locations in the world, few individuals, and/or restricted range; or uncommon but not rare globally; may be rare in some parts of its range; possibly some cause for long-term concern due to declines or other factors. More information is needed to assign a single conservation status.

Did you know?
The large cranberry (Vaccinium marcrocarpon) found in maritime freshwater interdunal swales is more commonly associated with bogs in New York. It is the same cranberry that is commerically produced for fruit and juice and is used in medical research. The plant is considered a shrub but creeps along the ground, seeming more like a small vine, and has small evergreen leaves. Commercial cranberry beds and maritime interdunal swales are both flooded seasonally, though swales are flooded more irregularly and unpredictably.

There are approximately 20 extant occurrences statewide. The several documented occurrences are small and geographically restricted, but they have good viability and are protected on public or private conservation land. The community is restricted to the Coastal Lowlands ecozone in Suffolk County. The community's trend is declining due to threats related to invasive species, such as common reed (Phragmites australis); groundwater contamination; off-road vehicle abuse; and management practices that alter natural hydrologic processes, such as breach contingency plans. The surrounding landscape is vulnerable to exotic flora invasion and urban development.

Community viability/ecological integrity and area of occupancy is suspected to be slowly declining, primarily due to community conversion (from maritime freshwater interdunal swales to common reed marsh) after invasive species encroachment. Other factors in the decline include anthropogenic alterations (both physical and hydrological) to dune and swale dynamics (e.g., ATV use, beach replenishment, dune stabilization) and coastal development (e.g., groundwater contamination, filling, road construction, and community destruction).

The number, extent, and viability of maritime freshwater interdunal swales in New York are suspected to have declined substantially over the long-term. These declines are likely correlated with coastal development and associated changes in hydrology, water quality, and natural processes.